Which site to upload photos or comment on them are you referring to? It seems interesting, it is a business model that I had never heard, is similar to microtask sites? And as you say, almost all online earnings sites offer referral systems where you can passively earn money if your referrals stay active, the difficult thing is to get these referrals and keep them active.Any site that offers paid to upload - that's a good place to start right there. You can work a month or two uploading photos, commenting on others' photos, getting as many clicks and comments as possible, and then just leave your pics up on the site and watch them generate passive income as time goes by.
Some of your photos will continue to get views, even shares, without you actively engaging.
Other than that, you can always use referral programs, get your referral link out there (most sites looking for additional members offer some type of referral system/reward program.)
Attach your referral link(s) to your social media sites, posts, advertise using bumper stickers or wear a Tshirt like @Billy and what you're doing is not only helping these sites get the word out, you're also getting the chance to have others sign up under your name.